The best UK heritage sites for a Downton-inspired day out
Whether you’re a Downton superfan or a casual viewer, here are the best UK heritage sites to satisfy your high-society cravings.
The award-winning ITV series, Downton Abbey, makes its swan song this week in a feature-length film, and fans of the show are eager to see how the Crawley’s story ends. While there’s no chance of heading to Downton itself, the estate’s real-life equivalent, Highclere Castle, is just one of the UK’s many world-class heritage sites, with treasure houses, palaces, and country estates available to explore. What better way, then, to dive into the pomp and pageantry of British high society and live your own Downton story than with a visit of your own?
To mark the series’ grand finale, our team has been looking at the best spots in the UK to get a taste of the decadence and drama. From treasure houses to the former home of Winston Churchill, there are hundreds of truly magnificent estates to explore. With that in mind, as an ode to Downton Abbey, here are our top five UK heritage sites to visit this year.
Harewood House, West Yorkshire
With its opulent interiors, stately gardens, and exquisite period furnishing, Yorkshire’s Harewood Hall embodies Georgian luxury and is well worth a visit at any time of year. As one of England’s 10 treasure houses, you won’t find this magnificent property’s owner living there anymore, but the building has been a popular tourist attraction for over 50 years. What’s more, with easy access to colourful Leeds and the historic spa town of Harrogate, there will be plenty of other points of interest to explore in West Yorkshire.
Our recommended tour: Christmas in Yorkshire
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
While Blenheim Palace’s main claim to fame might be that it was the birthplace and ancestral home of the former prime minister Winston Churchill, this UNESCO-listed estate offers rewarding exploration around its manicured grounds. From its imposing facades to its sprawling Cotswold views, this decadent country estate is one of the UK’s best examples of the rare English Baroque style. With scenic vistas abound, which can be viewed from the palace’s rooftops, gardens, and miniature train, this heritage site is one of the best for soaking up England’s green and pleasant lands.
Our recommended tour: Christmas in Oxford
Chatsworth House, The Peak District
Boasting expansive views over the Peak District, Chatsworth House combines 105 acres of breath-taking gardens with galleries and artefact displays celebrating Derbyshire’s artistic highlights. This building, developed in the 16th century by the Cavendish family, now showcases hundreds of artworks from across the UK, Europe, and even North Africa. Marvel at the exquisite Painted Hall, beset by oil masterpieces, peruse the ancient Egyptian treasures of the Sculpture Gallery, or take in the grandeur of the region’s landscapes with a wander through the estate’s manicured gardens. Better yet, if your trip coincides with the Christmas period, you’ll see the house decked in festive lights and decorations!
Our recommended tour: Christmas in the Peak District
Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire
Most famously known as the Highland home of the British monarchs, this magnificent landmark has a far deeper history than just its role as Scotland’s foremost royal residence. Stemming from a hunting lodge, built by King Robert II of Scotland in the 14th century, the estate was steadily developed by the Scottish nobility into the architectural wonder that it is today. With seasonal access, due to its continued use as a royal residence, Balmoral has become a must-visit spot for many a Scottish itinerary and its grand turreted facades, and ornate halls certainly don’t disappoint.
Our recommended tour: The Royal Caledonian
Dunrobin Castle, Golspie
Built in the 13th century, this towering building has served as the seat of the Earl of Sutherland for almost 900 years and is every bit as impressive as its English counterparts. Having been remodelled in Scottish Baronial style, the building exudes power and elegance and features delightful Versailles-inspired gardens which look out over the nearby Dornoch Firth. Visitors can also enjoy one of the British Isles’ most impressive private collections of archaeological relics, with the castle’s museum displaying the favourite treasures of the Earls of Sutherland.
Our recommended tour: The Best of the Scottish Highlands
Live your own Downton dreams with Newmarket Holidays
Feeling inspired? Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today to get the ball rolling on your very own Downton-inspired escape. For further information on our full range of festive and year-round itineraries, check out our dedicated UK and Ireland pages.
